Avocados are not only touted as being one of the best sources of a “good fat,” but pretty much one of the most perfect foods on the planet! That’s because avocados are packed with vitamins, minerals, nutrients and have versatile flavor and consistency. It rivals any other food (plant based or otherwise) in all it has to offer; most notably in, fiber, mono-unsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids; vitamins A, C, D, E, K and B vitamins; minerals such as magnesium (more than 20 other common fruits!) and potassium. And if they can’t can’t get any better, avocados are one of the best foods known to help your body absorb the nutrients from other foods. This is due to the mono-unsaturated fats which help the body to absorb the fat-soluble, phyto-nutrients better. Can you say, “bonus!?!”

Some of the top benefits of avocados are:

Good for the heart, brain, eyes, and skin

Help regulate blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol

Assists in neutralizing free radicals which helps in the prevention of disease and cancer

Contain ~10 grams of fiber per medium avocado. With perfect combo of insoluble to soluble fiber, avocados speeds up the digestive process as well as helping to make you feel “full”.

They are a liver loving food- naturally detoxifying yet nourishing to the liver.

Wonderful source of a plant based protein- Avocados provide18 essential amino acids which is necessary for the body to form a complete protein. This means, the protein from an avocado is going to be that much more easily absorbed, than let’s say a steak, because, avocados contain a good source of fiber which automatically aids in digestions.

Topically, avocados are highly moisturizing and replenishing to the skin.

Interesting Facts: Taking a look back at the origins of the word avocado as well as the current benefits, it’s synonymous with reproductive health. Historically, the word avocado comes from a Nahuatl Indian (Aztec) word “ahuácatl” meaning testicle. This reference is either due to the avocado’s shape or the fact that it was considered to possess aphrodisiac qualities by the Aztecs. Scientifically, avocados are known to target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female; in fact, an avocado resembles these organs. Recent research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and helps to prevent cervical cancers. And get this… It takes exactly nine months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. Coincidence….?

With it’s neutral flavor, creamy consistency, and versatility, avocados can be enjoyed as a dip, pudding, spread, sauce and snack (to name a few)! I may a little partial, but I’ve yet to come across a single plant based food that can serve up the kind of nutrients and versatility as the a-mazing avocado ! What are some of your favorite ways to have an avocado?!

Here are a couple of mine:

Simple & Satisfying Avocado Snack

1 Avocado, cut in half, length wise (pit removed)

juice of 1 lime or small lemon

sea salt

black pepper

cayenne powder

Cut an avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Squeeze on lime or lemon juice and top off with a sprinkle of sea salt,black pepper and cayenne. Use a fork to scoop out the goodness, and enjoy!

Add avocados, lime juice, cilantro, salt, pepper, granulated garlic, (cayenne) in small food processor and pulse. Or, use a fork to mash and combine all ingredients in a bowl. Then add the (optional) jalepeno or green chile to the avocado mash. Stir and combine well.
Serve with raw veggies such as carrot sticks, celery, sweet peppers or other raw veggies of your choice. Or use as a spread on a sandwich or wrap, or as a topping on a taco, etc.

*Want to pump up the protein and iron content that much more? Add a handful, or so, of raw (preferably organic) spinach to the mix and blend in the food processor. If doing this, add the juice of a whole lime or small lemon.